Kewanee racer captures win at Quad City Speedway

Monday

Jul 29, 2013 at 8:05 PM

Shaune Lewis has been a regular at the Quad City Speedway for as long as he can remember — either as a young fan or racecar driver.

Mike Landis

Shaune Lewis has been a regular at the Quad City Speedway for as long as he can remember — either as a young fan or racecar driver.The Kewanee racer experienced a long-awaited first at the East Moline track July 21, landing in the winner’s circle in a UMP open-wheel modified race.“It was huge,” said Lewis of his first victory in that series. “I’ve been trying to win at that place for 15 years.”Along with Lewis, Milo Veloz Jr. and Donovan Lodge had fast cars early in the race. Lewis chased down Lodge and was in second behind Veloz Jr. when the leader’s car broke. Lewis took control of the race and held off a late surge by T.D. Burger of Pontiac to claim the checkered flag.Lewis has been racing since 1995, starting in the street stock division and moving into open-wheel modifieds.“I was born and raised around the sport,” said Lewis, noting his dad Rich worked in the pits for more than 20 years for area racing legend Gary Webb of Davenport, Iowa.Lewis races primarily at QC Speedway and in LaSalle, but also takes his car to Canton and Peoria, and Iowa tracks in West Liberty, Dubuque, Davenport and Tipton.He’s quick to point out there are plenty of people behind the scenes that make his racing possible, starting with his wife Rhonda and son Blaise.“My wife’s in the garage with the race car as much as I am,” said Lewis. “I couldn’t do it without her. She’s into it as much as I am. She’s fired up when I run well and she’s fired up when I run bad.”Also instrumental in getting his car ready for racing are Richard Hathaway, his parents Rich and Diana Lewis, Ethan Washburn, Jose Munoz and Jeff Anderson.Lewis is sponsored by Cernovich Auto and Truck Wrecking, Yarger Machinery Sales, Longeville Homes, Verbeck Farms of Annawan, Cambridge Car Corner, CSB Insurance Services, Wager Lawn Service, Mirocha’s Auto Service, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Ceja’s Upholstery, Fastenal of Princeton, Loncka Graphics, Lewis Body Shop and Creative Look Hairstyling.“They’re a big help,” said Lewis of his sponsors. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”Lewis calls racing a “fun, expensive and stressful hobby.”“When you run well, it makes it all worth it,” said Lewis. “Some people go on vacation in the summer. We just race all summer.”